Representatives from KisStartup, KisImpact, and the Heritage-Centered Incubation Program (HCI) presented at the Workshop: “Orientation and Solutions for Preserving the Cultural Heritage of the Hmong People in Bắc Hà and Si Ma Cai, Linked with Local Tourism Development for the 2025–2030 Period.”
The event was organized under Plan No. 388/KH-HTKH dated November 26, 2024, as part of the provincial-level scientific research project: “Research and Preservation of Traditional Culture of the Hmong People in Si Ma Cai and Bắc Hà Districts Linked with Tourism Development.”
At the workshop, Mrs. Nguyễn Đặng Tuấn Minh, a representative of KisStartup, presented the topic: “Digital Transformation & Opportunities for Preserving, Exploiting, and Developing Tourism Based on Cultural Heritage – Lessons from the World and Stories from Vietnam.
Key Content:
The presentation highlighted the role of the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) as a key driver of sustainable and inclusive economic development. Ms. Minh noted that in 2021, the United Nations designated it as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, recognizing cultural heritage as a valuable resource, particularly critical for post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
Global Lessons:
Ethnotek: A commercial model tied to traditional cultural values.
Maria’s Bag: A brand leveraging traditional handcrafted products to generate economic and social value.
Proposals from KisStartup:
Identification: Define cultural heritage values that need digitization.
Digitization: Preserve and convert cultural data into digital formats.
Explore New Business Models: Leverage digital tools to exploit cultural values.
Enrichment: Create additional value from digitized cultural heritage.
Investment: Develop infrastructure, technology, and training for artisans and cultural preservation.
Preservation & Development: Ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage.
Specific Solutions:
Pilot Support for Homestays: Enhance promotional capabilities and attract tourists.
Application of New Technologies: Digitize cultural potential to promote tourism.
Online Training: Strengthen skills for local officials and homestay owners to ensure sustainability post-project.
Local Workforce Development: Train successors to build a sustainable development ecosystem.
Goals:
Develop tourism based on cultural heritage.
Empower local communities to become the center of cultural preservation and sustainable value exploitation.
KisStartup and IDAP Project’s Contribution:
Participation in this workshop demonstrates KisStartup's and the IDAP Project’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage as a foundation for tourism development in local areas. The IDAP Project (2024–2027) aims not only to preserve but also to sustainably exploit cultural values through building an inclusive digital transformation ecosystem, supporting the growth of local tourism industries and indigenous communities.
Conclusion:
KisStartup’s presentation provided a sustainable digital business model perspective, connecting digital transformation with cultural preservation. This contributes to initiatives for developing tourism aligned with traditional cultural identity.
Dear Valued Partners, Clients, and the KisStartup and KisImpact Network,
The final days of the year are always an opportunity for us to look back on the journey we have traveled, to express our gratitude to the people and values that have accompanied us and contributed to the successes we celebrate today:
AI for Innovation
Every of our clients, from those with annual revenues in the hundreds of billions of VND to micro-enterprises generating less than one billion VND, is integrating AI and data into their digital transformation and innovation processes.
Green Innovation
Initial pilots have demonstrated measurable financial benefits for businesses, including energy cost savings, recycling, and adding value for customers.
Open Innovation & Commercialization Connections
Entering its second year of partnership with Mitsui Chemicals Group and the official collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, we have successfully brought research outcomes to market, connecting them with corporations, businesses, and investors.
Innovation through Digital Transformation and Promoting an Inclusive Digital Ecosystem
With the trust of GREAT, we have partnered with hundreds of businesses in Lào Cai and Sơn La, along with universities, to introduce new concepts to these emerging but highly potential markets. Nearly 3,000 participants in project activities and over 2 billion VND in revenue growth within just three months of operation are tangible results that speak to the aspirations for change and the effective approach of the IDAP project – Enhancing the Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem
Business Models Based on Heritage Culture:
Aiming to promote the utilization of local resources to foster creativity and innovate traditional business models..
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you – those who have trusted, collaborated, and will continue to journey alongside KisStartup. The year 2024 was not just a year of challenges but also one in which we witnessed remarkable transformations within our KisStartup team. We have grown through small failures every day, through difficulties, and through the challenges we set for ourselves, emerging stronger, more skilled, and more professional.
With our vision of becoming an ever-evolving community of individuals and organizations driving innovation, building and developing in Vietnam, working globally, and creating sustainable impacts, this journey in 2024 would not have been possible without the core values that we have embraced, are committed to, and will continue to pursue: Empathy, Trusted Support, Creativity, Simplicity, Learning, Challenge Acceptance, Curiosity, and Transparency.
Thank you to our partners and clients, who have placed their trust in KisStartup and given us invaluable opportunities to serve. Your success is our greatest pride. Thank you to the startups, enterprises, universities, research institutes, and scientists, both domestically and internationally, who have contributed not only ideas and knowledge but also an unyielding spirit of innovation. You are a powerful source of inspiration for KisStartup to carry on its mission.
Thank you to the experts who have worked alongside us with dedication, experience, and heartfelt contributions to help our businesses and clients grow.
And last but not least, our heartfelt thanks to the KisStartup team – the individuals who continuously learn, empathize, and bravely embrace challenges. Your unwavering dedication and commitment have carried us through 2024, a year full of turbulence yet filled with pride.
As we step into 2025, we are committed to continuing to learn, innovate, and grow further to better serve not only small and micro-businesses but also large global clients. We firmly believe that innovation is the key to creating sustainable impacts and building a stronger community.
We sincerely hope to continue receiving your support, trust, and collaboration on the journey ahead.
Wishing our valued partners, clients, experts, businesses, and the entire KisStartup team a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success.
With respect and gratitude,
On behalf of the KisStartup Team,
Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh
Some lessons from the UK’s experiences in technology transfer and commercialization may serve as valuable references for universities and research institutes aiming to find effective pathways for commercializing research and transferring technology.
Endomag, a spin-out from UCLB, provides groundbreaking solutions for breast cancer treatment. Its technology has been utilized in over 1,000 hospitals worldwide, benefiting approximately 450,000 patients. Source: UCL.ac.uk
In April 2024, we had the opportunity to observe and learn about technology transfer and commercialization activities in the UK through a program organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering and funded by the British Embassy in Vietnam. This program included visits to three universities—Cambridge, Southampton, and University College London (UCL)—as well as meetings with representatives from U.S. accelerator programs, technology transfer offices (TTOs) from Portugal and the Netherlands, and discussions with various program managers at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
While comparisons between the UK and Vietnam may not be entirely fair due to differences in academic environments and socio-economic conditions, some lessons learned during the program can still be useful references for universities and research institutes in Vietnam seeking to commercialize research and transfer technology effectively.
The UK's Vision: The ICURE Program
The Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURE) program in the UK is an initiative aimed at facilitating the transfer of technology and research from universities to the market. Funded by Innovate UK (a national innovation agency under the UK Department for Science and Technology) and implemented in collaboration with universities and research organizations, ICURE focuses on three primary goals:
Commercializing research: Assisting university researchers in turning their findings into commercializable products and services.
Training and support: Providing researchers with training and support in market approaches, business planning, and attracting investment.
Building industry connections: Creating links between researchers, businesses, and investors to facilitate the deployment of new technologies.
ICURE has proven to be a vital tool for promoting the commercialization of research and technological development in the UK, enhancing the country's economic competitiveness through innovation.
Unlike typical university TTOs, which primarily focus on existing research and its commercial potential, ICURE supports even nascent ideas as long as the researchers are committed to creating outcomes that extend beyond academic publications and generate public impact. While ICURE may seem similar to incubators, it differs significantly because its target audience is researchers whose technologies are often groundbreaking and not yet available in the market. These researchers, accustomed to publishing and teaching, face a steep learning curve in stepping outside academia to engage in business-related activities.
ICURE Program Tiers
ICURE offers four levels of engagement tailored to the maturity of ideas and researchers:
Engage (4 weeks, £2,000 funding): For postgraduate students and technicians exploring commercialization opportunities and potential beneficiaries of their research.
Discover (4 weeks): Encourages participants to delve deeper into market needs and practical applications of their technology.
Explorer (12 weeks, full-time, £35,000 funding): Helps researchers test their hypotheses by engaging with potential customers.
Exploit (12 weeks, full-time, £20,000 funding): Supports teams aiming to spin out a company, with potential follow-up funding of up to £200,000 for development.
For researchers, stepping out of their academic comfort zones to join ICURE and undertake unfamiliar tasks can be challenging. However, many, like a team from the University of Cambridge, have reported transformative experiences. By interviewing customers, redefining their initial concepts, and continuously iterating on their ideas, participants gain new perspectives on their research.
ICURE has proven to be a vital tool for promoting the commercialization of research and technological development in the UK, enhancing the country's economic competitiveness through innovation.
Unlike typical university TTOs, which primarily focus on existing research and its commercial potential, ICURE supports even nascent ideas as long as the researchers are committed to creating outcomes that extend beyond academic publications and generate public impact. While ICURE may seem similar to incubators, it differs significantly because its target audience is researchers whose technologies are often groundbreaking and not yet available in the market. These researchers, accustomed to publishing and teaching, face a steep learning curve in stepping outside academia to engage in business-related activities.
ICURE Program Tiers
ICURE offers four levels of engagement tailored to the maturity of ideas and researchers:
Engage (4 weeks, £2,000 funding): For postgraduate students and technicians exploring commercialization opportunities and potential beneficiaries of their research.
Discover (4 weeks): Encourages participants to delve deeper into market needs and practical applications of their technology.
Explorer (12 weeks, full-time, £35,000 funding): Helps researchers test their hypotheses by engaging with potential customers.
Exploit (12 weeks, full-time, £20,000 funding): Supports teams aiming to spin out a company, with potential follow-up funding of up to £200,000 for development.
For researchers, stepping out of their academic comfort zones to join ICURE and undertake unfamiliar tasks can be challenging. However, many, like a team from the University of Cambridge, have reported transformative experiences. By interviewing customers, redefining their initial concepts, and continuously iterating on their ideas, participants gain new perspectives on their research.
Autolus, a spin-out from UCLB developed from UCL's Cancer Institute, recently went public and raised $921 million in capital. Source: UCL.ac.uk
Perspectives from Universities
University of Cambridge: Fostering Organic Connections
As a leading global university with a reputation for exceptional research, Cambridge’s approach to commercialization is surprisingly deliberate and slow-paced. Instead of aggressively pushing spin-offs or spin-outs, Cambridge fosters an ecosystem where connections between academia and industry develop naturally.
However, this “organic” process is strategically encouraged. Faculty members are urged to engage in consultancy services, building trust between the university and industry. Cambridge provides robust support, such as allowing faculty to use the university’s brand for consulting, facilitating contract agreements, and offering insurance coverage for consulting services. This generous approach is minimally monetized by the university, emphasizing relationship-building over immediate financial gain.
One example is Cambridge’s collaboration with LEGO. Initially seeking consultation on childhood studies, LEGO recognized the research’s value and subsequently funded the PEDAL Centre (Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development, and Learning) at Cambridge, showcasing how consultancy can evolve into impactful partnerships.
University College London (UCL): Leveraging Strengths
UCL, another top-tier research university in the UK, established UCLB, a wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to transferring university research to society. While UCL owns UCLB and determines profit allocations, UCLB operates independently, focusing exclusively on commercialization. This autonomy allows for a more agile and market-oriented approach, avoiding bureaucratic hurdles.
UCLB concentrates on two key areas of strength: cell and gene therapies. Its notable successes include:
Freeline: A spin-out developing therapies for genetic diseases.
Orchard: Acquired for nearly $500 million for its gene therapy innovations.
Achilles: A company specializing in tumor-targeting immunotherapies, now publicly traded.
UCLB’s commercialization philosophy emphasizes collaboration with researchers to explore potential pathways for their technologies, requiring active participation in processes like patent discussions and investor negotiations.
University of Southampton: Industry Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Networking
Southampton’s Innovation Hub is a science park supporting high-tech businesses and startups with state-of-the-art facilities funded entirely by industry partners. The university emphasizes demand-driven research and provides a mentoring network to help researchers commercialize their findings.
Southampton also collaborates with other top universities (e.g., Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Surrey) through the SETsquared initiative, supporting high-tech startups and scaling efforts.
One example of Southampton’s foundational research impact is Sir David N. Payne’s pioneering work in photonics, particularly fiber optics. His contributions underpin the internet and environmental sensing technologies, demonstrating how core research can drive societal advancement.
Conclusion
To foster an effective ecosystem for technology transfer and commercialization, patience and persistence are essential. As Steven Schooling, Executive Director of UCLB, said: "It took us 30 years to create meaningful impacts from our research. Change doesn't happen overnight, especially when it involves policy adjustments. Understanding both risk management and the imperative to create long-term value is crucial for devising short, medium, and long-term strategies."
In the UK, research impact is no longer measured solely by publications but also by contributions to economic, social, cultural, and policy domains. University TTOs play a pivotal role in extending research benefits beyond academia, even when immediate financial returns are minimal.
The lessons and practices from ICURE and leading UK universities provide valuable insights for building a robust ecosystem for research commercialization and societal impact.
1 The author participated as a representative of an incubation and acceleration program from Vietnam, under KisImpact Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.
On December 17, 2024, at the seminar “Directions and Solutions for Preserving and Promoting Rituals and Ritual Folk Songs of the Dao People in Vietnam in the Age of Industry 4.0” organized by the Lao Cai Branch of Thai Nguyen University and the Lao Cai General Museum under the framework of the Vingroup Project, Ms. Nguyễn Đặng Tuấn Minh, representing KisStartup, KisImpact, and the Business Incubator, delivered an important presentation on developing new business models based on cultural heritage, digital technology, and entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights of the Presentation
The presentation emphasized the role of new business models in creating and enhancing value from cultural heritage through the following key points:
A business model is a way to create and capture value.
A new business model is a method to generate new value and receive new returns.
When applied to cultural heritage, the new business model includes:
Refreshing current business models by enhancing value through cultural and heritage elements combined with digital technology.
Developing entirely new business models based on cultural heritage, leveraging digital technology to create unique competitive advantages.
Vietnam's Global Potential
KisStartup highlighted Vietnam’s immense potential in combining cultural heritage with digital technology and entrepreneurship:
Vietnam ranks 24th out of 89 countries for its richness in heritage (according to U.S. News & World Report).
Vietnam ranks 56th in cultural influence worldwide.
Vietnam ranks 43rd out of 89 countries for having a dynamic startup ecosystem.
With its rich cultural heritage and a rapidly developing startup ecosystem, Vietnam is well-positioned to pioneer the development of innovative and sustainable business models based on cultural heritage. This approach creates new values and enhances competitiveness in the Industry 4.0 era.
Under the IDAP Project (Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program) to enhance the inclusive digital transformation ecosystem in Lao Cai and Son La, KisStartup has also witnessed significant transformations in various business models during the digital transformation process.
The presentation by the representative of KisStartup, KisImpact, and the Business Incubator provided a new perspective and proposed many practical solutions for preserving and promoting cultural heritage, particularly that of the Dao people, and Vietnam in general. Integrating digital technology and entrepreneurial spirit into the cultural sector not only preserves traditional values but also creates sustainable and unique business opportunities for the future.
KisStartup drives Vietnamese climate action as Official Outreach Partner for LowCarbon.Earth
KisStartup is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with the LowCarbon.Earth Program, a leading accelerator for climate tech startups. Implemented by the Massive Earth Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this program aims to drive sustainable development and address pressing challenges related to climate change and environmental pollution.
LowCarbon.Earth has established itself as a prominent player in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting over 100 startups, mobilizing more than $350 million in funding, and receiving over 2,500 applications from various countries. The program focuses on developing innovative solutions in the climate tech space, contributing to significant advancements in the fight against climate change and environmental protection.
Through its partnership with Massive Earth Foundation, KisStartup will act as the official outreach partner for the LowCarbon.Earth Program in Vietnam, supporting the promotion and recruitment of startups, particularly in the climate tech sector. Additionally, KisStartup will contribute to the selection and introduction of experts from its network to support the program, while also sharing insights into the Vietnamese market to facilitate effective entry for international startups. We are committed to driving registrations for the LowCarbon.Earth 2024 program through our extensive community and ecosystem in Vietnam.
This collaboration not only opens up new opportunities for Vietnamese startups but also contributes to building a sustainable startup ecosystem, playing a vital role in the battle against climate change and environmental pollution. KisStartup and the LowCarbon.Earth Program are committed to working together to create positive and long-lasting impacts on society and the environment.
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For any questions, please contact
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kisstartup
Website: https://www.kisstartup.com/
Email: hello@kisstartup.com
Contact: (+84) 0966.848.358 (Mr. Kiet)
KisStartup is honored to have accompanied the "Ready to Export (R2E)" program over the past two years, sponsored by the Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV) and led by ASSIST. The program aims to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become long-term partners in the value chain of foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, Dutch companies, and multinational enterprises (MNEs), contributing to building competitive and reliable Vietnamese SME trade partners.
On August 9th, the first class for businesses in the Northern region officially took place. Our joy lies in accompanying SMEs on their continuous journey to bring "Made in Vietnam" products to the global market. A special feature of this year's class is that, under the guidance of KisStartup, businesses have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) tools in export activities. AI can strongly support businesses in market research, customer understanding, and identifying truly quality export pathways. For the first time, we also introduced the SATTO tool—an export readiness measurement tool developed by KisStartup in collaboration with Vinno. The questions and concerns of business owners when faced with changing their business models to better prepare for the bigger challenge called Export; their enthusiasm and eagerness when engaging with new tools; and the connections formed within the small community after the class have created memorable values for us over the past two R2E seasons.
The program will take place every Friday for 10 weeks, covering various topics that help businesses equip themselves with the necessary management, operational, and export skills. Classes are organized in Hanoi for Northern businesses and in Ho Chi Minh City for Southern businesses. For detailed program information, please refer to the link: https://www.readytoexport.org/
On June 19, 2024, KisStartup, in collaboration with ADN Communications Company, successfully held the online workshop "Practicing ESG in the financial sector and export sector." The event attracted many businesses and individuals interested in using ESG standards to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and expand markets.
In the workshop, expert Diem Anh highlighted the importance and application of ESG in the finance and export sectors in Vietnam. Additionally, we discussed a green transformation case study of ACB Bank, showcasing positive changes in the industry. In the export sector, Thành Công Group was also mentioned as a prime example of green transformation.
Later in the workshop, we provided guidance on using the ITC Standards Map and Biotrade Map online tools, helping businesses look up sustainability standards and observe green trade trends to develop suitable export products
We look forward to seeing you again in the final training session on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, and hope to continue receiving your enthusiastic support. If you are interested, please:
Yesterday afternoon (June 12, 2024), a workshop jointly organized by KisStartup and ADN Communications Company provided valuable information and knowledge on effectively implementing ESG for businesses.
During the workshop, speaker Nguyen Diem Anh (CEO & Founder of ADN Communications Company) highlighted the importance of ESG in the context of globalization. ESG helps businesses meet the requirements and expectations of stakeholders such as governments, customers, investors, and partners. However, pursuing ESG presents challenges such as information overload and high initial costs. To avoid getting "lost" in the matrix of ESG frameworks and standards, businesses need to clearly define their goals based on their industry, scale, and current situation. Mrs. Diễm Anh introduced a 7-step model for implementing ESG, starting with simple steps like ensuring commitment and consistency within the company.
Later in the workshop, speaker Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh (CEO & Founder of KisStartup) shared insights on the differences between the business models (BM) of companies pursuing ESG principles and traditional businesses. According to her, as you pursue ESG principles, a company's business model will change in goals, scope, stakeholders, transparency reporting and creative innovation. Therefore, businesses need to thoroughly analyze their BM to identify the associated benefits and costs of pursuing ESG, enabling them to develop appropriate strategies.
The first training session was successfully completed and brought about certain positive effects, as the ESG concept is currently of great interest to many guests, including business owners and experts. During the training session, speaker Nguyen Diem Anh (CEO & Founder of ADN Communications Company) discussed the concepts, standards, reference frameworks, and analyzed the importance of ESG compliance to the attendees. From this, the following conclusions were drawn.
ESG is not optional but mandatory for businesses in the context of globalization
Depending on the field and characteristics, each business will have different ESG compliance strategies and reference frameworks
The commitment from the leaders and managers plays a crucial role in ESG compliance.
During the discussion, participants (including business owners, lecturers, and consulting service providers) and the speaker discussed the importance of educating and training the younger generation (students) about ESG. Businesses should not only regard providing internship opportunities to students as fulfilling a community responsibility but also recognize that the younger generation will play a crucial role in the sustainable development of businesses in the future. Therefore, businesses and universities should proactively collaborate to not only teach theoretical knowledge but also apply students' ESG knowledge in practice.
In the next three training sessions, the speaker will provide knowledge and experiences on:
Integrating ESG to increase competitiveness for businesses;
Practicing ESG in the financial sector and export sector;
Practice and Application of ESG in branding for businesses;
On June 19, 2024, we completed the final session of the Circular Economy Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program. The program attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from university students and lecturers to businesses, investors
The program focused on introducing participants to the process of circularization, new developments in circular business models, and how to analyze and take advantage of their strengths to apply circular economy principles. We also organized networking sessions between participants and businesses with circular economy models such as VinaStraws, SDvico, and UPGREEN Vietnam. With their own experiences, these three businesses served as exemplary case studies, providing participants with clear perspectives on the practical application of the circular economy.
Additionally, following the program, we received two challenges from participating businesses that want to begin circularizing their business processes or innovating their business models towards circularity. These challenges will pave the way for future programs by KisStartup and KisImpact to further bring the circular economy into business practice. At the end of the training program, we will take time to complete and update the 2024 version of the training materials.
We sincerely thank the lecturers, businesses, and students for their participation, helping us to continue improving the 2024 version of the materials.
